MEMORANDUM
TO:
FR:
RE:
DA:
Richard A. Davey, Secretary & CEO
Frank DePaola, Highway Division Administrator
Ongoing Work in the MHS Tunnels
August 16, 2013
To follow is a summary of maintenance and construction activities performed over the
last week in the Metropolitan Highway System tunnels.
Please feel free to contact me if you need additional information.
Overnight work:
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MassDOT closed the I-93 Southbound Tunnel overnight as part of a series of
scheduled overnight closures. These closures allow for maintenance, cleaning and
repair work in areas not normally accessible when traffic is on the roadway.
MassDOT workers made repairs to multiple items, cleaned and maintained the
roadway, walls, ramps and fixtures. Additionally, a contractor performed routine
inspection work during the closure. The Northbound side is next scheduled to close.
Contractors are repairing water infiltration at multiple points within the O’Neill
Tunnel (both directions) and on related ramps. Recent work has concentrated on the
Northbound side of the tunnel. Additional work occurred in the area of Ramp A-CN
(Atlantic Avenue to I-93 Northbound) and Ramps L and F-L (Exit 20 Northbound to
I-90 Eastbound/Airport and from Northbound Frontage Road to I-90
Eastbound/Airport). In addition, a team is performing inspections of the fireproofing
material in the areas of the Northbound Tunnel where water infiltration repairs are
underway.
Contractors have also returned to the Sumner Tunnel to repair some recent water
infiltration in that tunnel. The contractor had done similar work in the Sumner for
several weeks earlier this year.
A contractor is performing routine inspections of the I-93 Northbound Tunnel, the
Ted Williams Westbound Tunnel and the I-90 Eastbound Tunnel. A contractor is
also inspecting Ramps SA-CS/CT (Surface Artery Southbound at New Chardon
Street to I-93 Southbound and Surface Artery Southbound at New Chardon Street to
the Callahan Tunnel) and CN-S/ST-S (Sumner Tunnel to Storrow Drive). A
contractor is also inspecting the I-90 Connector Tunnel Westbound, the HOV Tunnel
and Eastbound tunnel set, and the I-90/I-93 Interchange. These inspections also
include related ramps when appropriate.
A contractor is also inspecting the Southbound side of the O’Neill Tunnel and related
ramps. Recent work occurred in the vicinity of Exit 24 to Government Center and the
Callahan Tunnel. The contractor completed the routine inspection of the Callahan
Tunnel.
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A contractor has completed median repairs in the Prudential Tunnel, except for a few
remaining punchlist items. The contractor continues to seal, grout and paint the
median barrier.
A contractor, working on behalf of Boston Properties, owner of the Prudential Center,
is continuing ceiling repairs in the Prudential Tunnel. Recent work has concentrated
on the ceiling at Exit 22 (Copley Square). The contractor is removing delaminated
concrete, forming and pouring patches. That ceiling work is nearing completion.
A contractor is continuing to pull-test the ceiling anchors in the Ted Williams Tunnel
(both directions). The contractor has begun installation of a supplemental ceiling
hanger system. The contractor is also making any necessary adjustments to the
installed supplemental hangers. Pull-testing on the Eastbound side is nearing
completion. The contractor has also begun to remove ceiling panels at the entrance of
the Eastbound tunnel. These panels are in place at the entrance and exit portals to the
tunnel. The panels are attached directly to the ceiling and they are being removed as
a precaution because there is no way to monitor the connection between the panel and
the tunnel ceiling. That removal work continues.
A contractor continued repair work on the roadway surface in the Ted Williams
Tunnel (both directions) near the boat sections (boat walls).
MassDOT workers replaced the power unit on a previously-repaired Variable
Message Sign in the I-93 Southbound Tunnel. The power supply had been replaced
with a defective power supply unit, which needed replacement again.
MassDOT replaced five cases of light bulbs and 2 ballasts in the Prudential Tunnel
Westbound.
MassDOT workers replaced the hose on a carbon monoxide monitor in the I-93
Southbound Tunnel. The hose had become clogged with soot.
MassDOT workers also checked a carbon monoxide detector in the vicinity of Ramps
SA-CN (Cross Street to I-93 Northbound) and ST-CN (Sumner tunnel to I-93
Northbound). Workers tested the monitor to ensure that the readings received at the
Highway Operations Center reflect the actual reading in the tunnel.
MassDOT communications technicians and a contractor performed a walk-through of
the Prudential Tunnel Westbound in preparation for future work. The walk-through
required a lane closure.
MassDOT granted a permit to the “Back Bay Midnight Peddlers,” a group of
bicyclists. The group has for several years conducted an annual ride onto the
cantilever ramp of the Zakim Bridge. The ride required closure of Ramps SA-CN
(Cross Street to I-93 Northbound) and ST-CN (Sumner Tunnel to I-93 Northbound).